“Lost John” by Merle Travis is a captivating folk song that delves into the saga of a fugitive named Lost John. This character, adept at eluding capture, becomes a legendary figure in the song’s narrative. Merle Travis, renowned for his masterful guitar playing and storytelling through music, infuses the song with his unique style. The song reflects themes common in folk and country music, such as outlaws and life on the fringes of society, and is delivered with Travis’s distinctive voice and guitar prowess. The exact origins and historical accuracy of the tale of Lost John remain shrouded in folklore, but Travis’s rendition has cemented it as a memorable piece in the American folk music repertoire.
Lyrics
The ugliest feller that I ever seen
Was Long Lost John from Bowlin’ Green
No hat on his head, no shoes on his feet
Beggin’ the women for his bread an’ meat
One woman said, “”Johnny, what can you eat?””
He said, “”Forty-nine biscuits an’ a ham o’ meat””
An’ he was long gone. He was long gone
He was long, long gone from Bowlin’ Green
Now get along John, get along boy
Now Lost John standin’ on a railroad track
A-waitin’ for a freight train to come back
Along come a train skippin’ an’ a-flyin’
Missed the cowcatcher but he caught the blind
He was long gone
He was long, long gone from Bowlin’ Green
Now Lost John he walked in a woman’s house
Crept right in just quiet as a mouse
The woman said, “”Lost John, take a chair
And I’ll send the porter for a bucket o’ beer””
He said, “”Never mind the bucket an’ never mind the beer
The hound’s on my trail an’ I can’t stay here
Got to get along
I’m long gone. I’m long gone from Bowlin’ Green
The ugliest feller that I ever seen
Was Long Lost John from Bowlin’ Green
His eyes was red, his gum was blue
Lotta mercy keep that fella in view
He’s long gone
He’s long, long gone from Bowlin’ Green
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